wheel LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1999 User Guide

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
SeeMessage Centerin theInstrumentationchapter.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked by your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and
general vehicle performance during:
²certain road conditions
²steering maneuvers
²braking
²accelerations
This system keeps the rear of your vehicle at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the springs.
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Understanding gearshift positions
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park). This locks the transaxle
and prevent the front wheels from
rotating.
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park).
Never leave your vehicle
unattended while it is
running.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift in R (Reverse),
the vehicle will move backward. You
should always come to a complete
stop before shifting into and out of
R (Reverse).
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Trailer lamps
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system directly to your vehicle's
lighting system. To get the proper equipment for hooking up your
trailer's lamps, see your Lincoln dealer. Be sure to follow their
instructions carefully.
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you may cause damage to the
vehicle's lighting system or other vehicle systems.
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Shift out of D (Overdrive) and into 3 (Third) or a lower gear when
towing up or down steep hills. This will eliminate excessive
downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel economy and transaxle
cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your maintenance guide and or
service guide for more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on
a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
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134

Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
12345
7891011
17
13 14 15 16
19 20 21
25 26 27 28 29
31 30
36
6
12
18
24
32
33 34 35
37 38 39 40 41
2223
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
1 30A* PCM
2 20A* ALT SENSE
3 30A* Right Rear Passenger Window
4 30A* Air Suspension
5 Ð Not Used
6 20A* Horns
7 15A* High Beam
8 30A* Right Front Passenger Window
1 Ð A/C Diode
2 Ð PCM Diode
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
Auxiliary relay box
The auxiliary relay box is located in the engine compartment. The
auxiliary relay box contains the high and low speed cooling fan relays.
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Tire change procedure
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
1. Park on a level surface, activate hazard flashers and set parking brake.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park) and turn engine OFF.
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142

3. Remove the spare tire, jack and
lug wrench.
4. Locate pry off notch (if
equipped) and remove the center
ornament from the aluminum wheel
with the tapered end of the wheel
nut wrench that came with your
vehicle. Insert and twist the handle,
then pry against the wheel.
5. Loosen each wheel lug nut
one-half turn counterclockwise but
do not remove them until the wheel
is raised off the ground. Refer to
Anti-theft lug nutsfor information
on removing anti-theft lug nuts.
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143

On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Refer toAir suspension systemin
theDrivingchapter for more
information.
6. Put the jack in the jack notch
next to the door closest to the tire
you are changing. Turn the jack
handle clockwise until the wheel is
completely off the ground.
To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any part of your
body under the vehicle while changing a tire. Do not start the
engine when your vehicle is on the jack. The jack is only meant for
changing the tire.
7. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Replace the flat tire with
the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is facing outward. Reinstall lug
nuts until the wheel is snug against the hub. Do not fully tighten the lug
nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
8. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
OFF
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144

9. Remove the jack and fully tighten
the lug nuts in the order shown.
10. Put flat tire, jack and lug wrench
away.
11. If using a mini-spare tire, turn
off the traction control switch.
12. Turn on the air suspension
switch.
Anti-theft lug nuts (if equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with this
feature, one of the lug nuts on each
wheel must be removed and
replaced with a special key. The key
and registration card are attached to
the lug wrench and stored with the spare tire. If you lose the key, send
the registration card to the manufacturer (not the dealer) to get a
replacement key. If the lug wrench/lug nut key assembly is lost, see your
nearest Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer who has access to the master set
of keys.Do not use an impact wrench with the anti-theft key.
Removing the anti-theft lug nut
1. Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make sure you hold the key
square to the lug nut. If you hold the key at an angle, you could damage
the key and the lug nut.
2. Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and apply pressure on
the key with the wrench.
3. Turn the wrench in a counterclockwise direction to remove the lug
nut.
Reinstalling the anti-theft lug nut
1. Insert the key over the locking lug nut.
2. Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and apply pressure on
the key with the wrench.
3. Install the lug nut.
1
4 3
52
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145

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor Company
has not developed or approved a T-hook or slingbelt towing procedure.
Before your vehicle can be towed, the air suspension control in the
luggage compartment must be turned to the OFF position (if equipped).
A towing manual is available from Ford Motor Company for all authorized
tow truck operators. Have your tow truck driver refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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151

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in
theBatterysection in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake, and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
park.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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152